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Speaker Condemns Chancellor for Leaking Budget Information to Media Ahead of Parliamentary Announcement


Sir Lindsay Hoyle indicated that MPs might be questioning whether to attend the Budget statement, as it seems like everyone will already be aware of the details by then.

The speaker of the House of Commons scolded Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves for divulging Budget information to the media before sharing it with MPs.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle stated that Reeves acted disrespectfully by not informing the House of Commons about the government’s fiscal rule changes, contrary to the Ministerial Code.

During interviews at the IMF meeting in Washington, Reeves confirmed a change in debt measurement, potentially allowing more spending on long-term infrastructure without exceeding debt limits.

Hoyle expressed disappointment that the Chancellor expected MPs to wait a week to hear the same announcements in the Budget statement on Wednesday.

He emphasized the importance of MPs being the first to hear major government policy announcements for proper scrutiny.

Hoyle questioned whether attendance at the Budget statement on Wednesday was necessary, suggesting that the information was already widely known.

He mentioned how the Conservatives had also faced criticism when acting similarly while in Government and urged all sides to act responsibly and respect MPs.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman defended the pre-Budget announcements as routine, ensuring Parliament has ample time to scrutinize the measures before voting.

Official announcement of changes to fiscal rules was made by Treasury Minister Darren Jones, aligning with Reeves’s earlier statements to the press.

Jones confirmed adjustments to the stability rule and the investment rule to manage public spending and reduce debt proportionately.
He highlighted that the government’s decisions were informed by consultations with institutions like the IMF, emphasizing the importance of targeting the right debt measures.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves takes applause after she addressed the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool in England on Sept. 23, 2024. (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves takes applause after she addressed the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool in England on Sept. 23, 2024. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Details of these policies will be officially disclosed in the Budget statement, accompanied by forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.

‘Tough’ Budget

The parliamentary controversy coincided with Prime Minister Starmer’s announcement of a challenging Budget aimed at avoiding severe austerity measures.

Starmer stressed the current economic situation and the need for decisive action in the Budget.

He outlined initiatives, such as additional funding for employment programs and adjustments in bus fare regulations, to address the economic challenges ahead.

PA Media contributed to this report.



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